Beltway Bambinos

We hope everyone had a fun weekend! We stopped by Child’s Play to see the superheros; sat on Daddy’s shoulder to get a glimpse of Batman (as it was a very popular event) and proceeded to play with the trains for an hour. Note to self and all of you: get there early for a good seat for the next popular event. This week is packed with excitement and adventures. We have tickets to see Under the Canopy on Sunday, so if you catch the show before then be sure to let us all know what you thought. Also, keep an eye out for our Spring Break Camp post that will be out mid-week.

We’ve also created a running list of on-going fun around the area which we plan to keep updated moving forward. Local puppet shows and theaters will be on that post instead of listing them each day or week.

Monday, Feb. 10

9:30am-11:00am- Rise and Rhyme at Busboys and Poets
(5531 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md. 20781)
Rise + Rhyme is a weekly Busboys and Poets series for local stay-at-home parents and early rising families of all kinds! Featuring performances and stories for children ages 5 and under. This week The Singing Lizard will be there to rock out.

9:30am- Harambe at BloomBars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.

10:30am-12:00pm- Flower Buds at Brookside Gardens
(9500 Brunett Ave., Silver Spring, Md. 20901)
This once-a-month series will meet the second Monday of every month. We will feature gardening activities, stories, crafts and garden walks for children ages 3-5 with a parent. Siblings are welcome but will not be able to partake in craft making. $5 child adult is free. Register here.

10:30am-11:30am- Young Portrait Explorers: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at The National Portrait Gallery 
(8th and F St- Meet in G St lobby)
Become a Young Portrait Explorer and discover the National Portrait Gallery through history and art. Activities include looking at a portrait of American clergyman and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., listening to a story about him, and participating in a hands-on activity. Ages 5 and under. Free but registration is required.

Tuesday, Feb. 11

11:00am-11:45am- Mr. Skip performs at Firehook Bakery & Coffee Shop
(105 S Union St., Alexandria, VA)
Enjoy scrumptious baked goods, stay for lunch, and sing along with Mr. Skip. He is a favorite of my son; he is engaging and sings well-known kid songs.

And once again, because Tuesday have slim pickings, a movie in this cold might be just the right plan if your little ones are old enough.  The Lego Movie premiered this weekend and we’ve heard parents loved it, maybe more than their children. Check for showtimes here. 

Also, remember to checkout our post with events that are ongoing.

Wednesday, Feb. 12

9:30am-11:00am- Circle of Friends Playgroup 
(Community Room at National City Christian Church on Thomas Circle, Entrance on 14th St through courtyard)
Parents, grandparents, and children, newborn up to age 4, are most welcome to attend this free group and no pre-registration is required. The community room has space for the active play of toddlers, as well as a comfortable area for those with infants and not-yet-mobile babies. Each session will begin with introductions and music, followed by open play. They have a clean up time and closing circle. The playgroup does have a collection of toys, books, and art supplies for use as well. Please feel free to bring drinks and snacks for yourselves and your little ones. Restroom facilities are available and the community room is stroller accessible. Contact Alyssa for more information

10:00am- Story time at Barnes and Noble
(2800 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, Va. 22201)
Join story time as they read a Valentine classic: “Guess How Much I Love You”.

10:00am- Samba Baby at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
It’s never too early to learn the infectious dance of the world’s 5th largest country and there’s no better teacher then Zezeh Zax– a dancer, professional performer of Brazilian samba and founder of the ZEZEH BRAZIL Dance Troupe. Get your baby movin and groovin!

10:30am- Under the Canopy premiers at Arts on the Horizon (Thursday and Friday showtimes at 10:30am as well )
(The Athenaeum  201 Prince St., Alexandria, Va. 22314)
This show debuts this week and sounds perfect for children ages 0-2. It is a 20-minute, interactive, non-verbal show that will use colorful objects and playful sounds. The performers will discover and build a rainforest setting around, within and above the audience. Whistling flowers, a clacking caterpillar, and brightly-colored umbrella birds await. After each performance, children are invited to explore the different props and objects used to create the playscape. Some shows are already sold out buy your tickets here.

10:30am-Boogie Babes presents Ukulele Phil and the Hula Kids at Union Market
(1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC. 20002)
Access the free market parking lot from 6th Street NE or travel via metro to NoMA-Gallaudet. Come early for coffee and stay for lunch!

3:30-5:30pm- Creative Hands-on Workshop at American Visionary Art Museum
(800 Key Highway Baltimore, Maryland 21230)
AVAM in the Afternoon is a series of special, interactive workshops for ages 8 and up. Build creativity by  exploring the world of visionary art, meeting guest artists, and engaging in creative projects. Each week will feature a different hands-on activity and/or artist demonstration. To register, please email Amy. For ages 8 & up.  The museum sits next to a LARGE hill, a playground resides at the top along with phenomenal views of Baltimore so while your older child is at the workshop you can take your younger to have fun too.

4:00pm-5:30pm- Open Studio at Art Space
(614 S St NW, Washington, DC. 20001)
Kids 3-6 years old and their accompanying adult are encouraged to come and create age-appropriate art projects. An employee will set up materials for safe, fun, and creative projects. Children will learn the art or cleaning up as well. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in. Siblings of any age are welcomed. $5

5:30pm & 6:30pm- !Uno, Dos, Tres con Andres! at BloomBars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
!Uno, Dos, Tres con Andres! is a sure bet every time. Children of various ages enjoy this interactive show that teaches Spanish language and Latin American culture.

7:30pm- Disney on Ice at Verizon Center (Through Monday Feb. 17, times vary depending on day)
Get your tickets here.

Thursday, Feb. 13

10:00am- Harambe at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
Think of it as your little one’s first opportunity to express his or her voice (into a microphone), dance, play a drum or percussion instrument, shout, or sing-along to songs that build character, confidence and community.

10:30am-11:15am- Preschool Series: Treasure Quest at Hillwood Estate Museum and Garden
(4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008)
Enter a world of wonder as you hunt for hidden gems, gold, and magnificent treasures that glitter and sparkle. Experience the wonder of Hillwood with your preschooler! Explore a new mansion room each week of this three-part series through make believe, art projects, and imaginative play. $30 per child for a 3 class series or $12 for one day session. Dates are 2/13, 2/20 and 2/27. For more information read more.

10:30am- Boogie Babes presents Uno, Dos, Tres Con Andrés at Eastern Market
(225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003)
Boogie Babes most popular show of the week! Meet at the Historic Eastern Market’s North Hall (closest to South Carolina) for a lively concert, grab lunch and shop for dinner. Access to the North Hall via the market for Boogie Babes. Eastern Market Metro is two short blocks away.

10:30am- The Great Zucchini at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Get tickets here for The Great Zucchini, Washington’s funniest and most magical Preschool and Kindergarten entertainer, performs a colorful magic show where every child is a star and guaranteed to laugh. Experience the excitement of the children when they get to learn a magic trick at the end of show.

11:00am- Story time at National Air & Space Museum
(14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151)
(600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560)
“Flights of Fancy” story time will feature Nobody Owns the Sky by Reeve Lindbergh. The museum in Chantilly is typically very empty with great spaces for your kids to roam around and see amazing airplanes and even The Discovery.

Friday, Feb. 14

10:00am- Songs, stories & puppets at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW, Washington, DC. 20010)
30 minutes of storytelling, dancing, singing and entertainment just for kids under 5.

10:30am-Boogie Babes presents Kidsinger Jim at Atlas Performing Arts
(1333 H Street NE Washington, DC. 20002)
Join The Singing Lizard at ATLAS Performing Arts Center along the H Street Corridor. Snack bar and bathrooms are easily accessible. Lots of good and kid-friendly lunch options within one to three blocks.

10:30am- Rainbow Rock at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Get tickets here to rock the rainbow with your bambino. Classic and original children’s songs will entertain your child.  These talented tunesters will keep you bopping in your socks until you just can’t rock anymore!  Always on hand, inside the box of fun, tambourines, shakers and more for your little one to join in the fun, and if they are feeling like completing their rock star appearance, how about a nice little temporary Rainbow tattoo, from none other than Pattycake Patty or the lovely Rockin Rox Anna. $5.

11:00am- Story time at National Air & Space Museum
(601 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20597)
(14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151)
“Flights of Fancy” staff will read stories about famous aviators, hot-air balloon flights, trips to Mars, characters visible in the night sky, or creatures that have their own wings. Each session includes one story and a hands-on activity. Featured story is Hot Air by Marjorie Priceman. 

1:00pm-4:00pm- The National Portrait Gallery presents Open Studio Fridays
(Eighth & F St NW, Washington, DC 20001 – Education Center, Room E151)
Friday afternoons at the Gallery feature some creative and free fun! Check out a Portrait Discovery Kit to explore the museum and try a different selection of art material each week.